How the Alzheimer's protein APP affects brain cell energy and cleanup
Relationships between APP and Mitochondria
This work looks at how the Alzheimer's protein APP and its breakdown products change brain cells' energy production and their ability to clear damaged mitochondria, with implications for people with Alzheimer's disease.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Kansas Medical Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Kansas City, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11257642 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Researchers will study how full-length APP and APP processing products interact with mitochondrial quality-control proteins like PINK1 and p62 and how those interactions affect mitophagy and energy production in brain cells. The team will use laboratory models and biochemical assays to measure APP localization to mitochondria, mitochondrial membrane potential, electron transport chain function, and markers of mitophagy. They will compare effects of losing APP versus changes caused by APP fragments to pinpoint which forms drive mitochondrial problems. Results aim to clarify a possible link between APP behavior at mitochondria and the metabolic deficits seen in Alzheimer's disease.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with Alzheimer's disease or mild cognitive impairment are the most directly relevant population, although this is laboratory research rather than a patient-enrolling trial.
Not a fit: People without Alzheimer's disease, or those with non‑Alzheimer's dementias, are unlikely to receive direct benefit from this lab-centered project.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the findings could identify new ways to protect brain cell energy use and slow Alzheimer's-related decline.
How similar studies have performed: Previous lab studies have connected APP and amyloid-beta to mitochondrial dysfunction and altered mitophagy, but teasing apart the roles of full-length APP versus its fragments is a newer question.
Where this research is happening
Kansas City, United States
- University of Kansas Medical Center — Kansas City, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Wilkins, Heather M. — University of Kansas Medical Center
- Study coordinator: Wilkins, Heather M.
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.